Interns of 2015

Adin Bonapart

A California native, Adin enjoys being outside whenever possible – gardening, exploring, camping, etc. His love for California’s landscapes has inspired numerous bicycle tours. Last summer he and a friend traveled by bicycle from Southern California to New Orleans, Louisiana (see their blog at aidsipoo.tumblr.com). Shortly after that adventure, Adin found himself at the Grange Farm School in Willits, CA, where his passion for organic farming was sparked. Other interests of his include: natural building, renewable energy, Judaism, and reading science fiction novels. Currently, Adin is finishing his degree in Environmental Science from Pitzer College in Claremont.

Cait Schieneman

Caitlyn, better known as Cait, Schieneman is from Pittsburgh, PA. She is very passionate about the outdoors and enjoys practicing sustainable living. She received an undergraduate degree at Chatham University in Environmental Science and a certificate in Latin American Studies. Her experiences abroad in Costa Rica and Brazil shaped her areas of interest and helped her to realize how fulfilling it was to build sustainably. In her past internships and jobs, Cait focused mostly on environmental education and trail building. Through this internship, she hopes to connect people with nature and develop the skills to transform buildings and landscapes to work with the environment, instead of against it. In her free time, Cait likes to run, do yoga, read, or go for a hike. She is greatly looking forward to meeting the people at The Solar Living Institute who are dedicated to protecting the environment.

Enis Cirak

Enis Cirak is a Chemical Engineering student from Tennessee. He is originally from Bosnia and grew up in a diverse part of Nashville. He has always loved other cultures, science, technology, and philosophy. Traveling, learning, and conversation are naturally his favorite hobbies. He is very passionate about solar energy and is extremely excited for the summer. He hopes to learn a lot about solar energy and meet a lot of amazing people.

Hillary Walton

Hillary is from Townshend, Vermont. She graduated from the University of Vermont with focuses in Chinese Studies, Sociology and Fine Metals. While studying at UVM, she studied abroad in Yunnan Province, home to 38 of the 52 cultural minorities of China. Her trip inspired her to become the Fair Trade Education Intern at The Peace & Justice Center of Burlington, VT. She has since self-funded a trip to Costa Rica for a Permaculture course at Punta Mona Center for Sustainable Living and Education. Her teacher suggested that she travel to California and join the organization Common Vision. She has since traveled Southern California with a CV team of Environmental Educators planting fruit trees and painting orchard signs with students in grades k-12. Her travels to California organically led her to the Solar Living Institute where she is excited to share ideas and help to cultivate a more balanced and harmonious future. She has been passionate about social and environmental justice for as long as she can remember. She appreciates differences in learning styles, is grateful for the outdoors, promotes creative outlets and enjoys dancing, live music and laughing with friends. ​

Robin Ahola

Robin started out in Mendocino, traveled to Lake county, and eventually ended up in Sonoma where he spent two years at the JC studying environmental science; Mendo will always be his home. He loves being out doors, perusing being a master of all trades. Robin is mainly focusing on solar installation and the science behind it. He's also in the process of writing a book about nor cal, but wanting to travel! Robin loves getting down and dirty- motorcycles are his passion. Look for him if you want a smile on your face!

ABOUT SLI

The Solar Living Institute is a 501 (c)(3) educational nonprofit organization offering instruction in solar training and sustainable practices. Founded in 1998, we have been providing professional solar training and a wide array of sustainability courses for over 15 years. Our courses are taught by experienced practitioners who bring years of real world knowledge to the classroom with a focus on helping students prepare for job opportunities, start businesses, and live more sustainably.